Now you can have an MRI if you have a pacemaker
In the past, people with pacemakers were not allowed to have MRIs. Many patients and doctors incorrectly still think this is true. With the new advanced pacemaker monitoring and programming technology, most patients with pacemakers are able to safely undergo MRIs of any part of the body–Brain MRI, Spine MRI, Shoulder MRI, Hip MRI, Knee MRI, Ankle and Feet MRI! Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology–the unquestioned leader in Pacemaker MRI–has performed more MRIs on patients with pacemakers than any other hospital or practice in the New York area.
Our program is currently operating at our Five Towns, Plainview and Sayville offices. Call 631-444-5544, Ext 3088 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Our patients are our priority at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology
Although many pacemakers and defibrillators used today are considered MRI compatible, there are special protocols that must be followed to minimize any risks. These include setting the pacemaker to a safe mode before the scan, monitoring you closely during the MRI procedure, and reprogramming the pacemaker to its original settings after the exam. This specialized process can cause delays in scheduling with long waits in the office, and may require inconvenient hospital visits.
The Pacemaker & Defibrillator Program at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, brings a new level of efficiency and safety to MRI patients with implanted cardiac rhythm devices. Our department works closely with your cardiologist's office to streamline the entire experience, from scheduling the appointment to receiving the results.
Speedy Service
Avoid lengthy hospital visits and crowded waiting rooms
Safer Experience
Specialized MRI Safety Division for expert programming
Superior Comfort
Stress-free experience in the comfort of an outpatient centerOur services prioritize efficiency, safety, and comfort in patient care. We offer expedited scheduling for appointments and remote monitoring of pacemakers and defibrillators, which streamlines the process and reduces the time needed for office visits. A dedicated team works closely with your cardiologist to ensure your experience is both effective and efficient. For safety, we specialize in assessing the conditionality of your device, guaranteeing that MRI exams can be conducted without risk. On-site programming and monitoring eliminate uncertainty regarding device settings, and we maintain direct communication with your cardiologist throughout the process.
Comfort is further enhanced by performing MRI exams in an outpatient setting, which avoids crowded hospital waiting rooms and long delays. Our specialized staff are available to ensure patients feel at ease, and the use of a wide-bore MRI provides additional space, contributing to a more pleasant overall experience.
Our experienced programming professionals have partnered with the most advanced manufacturers of implanted devices, including Medtronic, Abbott/St. Jude Medical, Boston Scientific, and Biotronik, to deliver an exceptional level of safety and care to our patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Pacemaker MRI at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology is carefully coordinated to ensure both your safety and the highest quality diagnostic imaging. Before your appointment, our specialized MRI Safety Division works closely with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist to review your medical history, confirm that your pacemaker or implanted cardiac device is appropriate for MRI, and develop a personalized imaging plan. This collaborative approach helps ensure every aspect of your exam is performed according to the highest safety standards.
On the day of your exam, our highly trained team performs a thorough evaluation of your pacemaker before the MRI begins. Specialists who are experts in cardiac implantable electronic devices safely program your pacemaker or defibrillator into the appropriate MRI mode based on your physician's recommendations. Throughout the examination, your heart rhythm and overall condition are closely monitored by experienced medical professionals, allowing you to undergo your MRI with confidence and peace of mind.
After the MRI scan is complete, your pacemaker is immediately reprogrammed to its original settings and thoroughly tested to confirm it is functioning properly before you leave. Our specialized MRI Safety Division remains in close communication with your cardiologist throughout the process, ensuring seamless coordination of care. With advanced MRI technology, experienced specialists, and a dedicated focus on patient safety, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology makes it possible for many patients with pacemakers and other implanted cardiac devices to safely benefit from the diagnostic power of MRI.
Preparing for a specialized Pacemaker MRI at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology begins well before your appointment. Our dedicated MRI Safety Division coordinates with your cardiologist or electrophysiologist to obtain important information about your pacemaker or implanted cardiac device, ensuring it is appropriate for MRI and that all necessary safety protocols are in place before your exam.
Prior to your scan, patients may be asked to provide details about their cardiac device and current medications. On the day of the exam, our specialized team will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your pacemaker, verify your device settings, and safely program it into MRI mode before imaging begins. This careful preparation helps ensure your MRI is performed safely and efficiently.
To help make your visit as smooth as possible, we recommend arriving a little early for your appointment, wearing comfortable clothing without metal fasteners whenever possible, and following any additional instructions provided by our scheduling team. Our experienced staff will guide you through every step of the process, answer your questions, and work closely with your cardiologist to provide a safe, comfortable, and seamless MRI experience.
If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic or are 60 years of age or older, we will perform an i-STAT creatinine level at the time of your exam to assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment. Keep hydrated before and after your exam.